Two exciting funding opportunity for high school environmental educators and students in Vermont are being offered by Walking Softer, a mission-driven organization dedicated to informing, inspiring, and supporting changemakers to take bold action for a more sustainable and just future.
Together, the Walking Softer Education Program and the Walking Softer Education Scholarship provide meaningful support for both educators and students—offering resources to learn about environmental issues, take action in local communities, and continue sustainability-focused education beyond high school.
Walking Softer Education Program: Learning, Action, and Community Impact
The Walking Softer Education Program is a free environmental education program for high school–aged students, designed to be facilitated during class time, in clubs, or in after-school settings. The program equips students with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to explore real-world environmental challenges and implement solutions in their own communities.
Students engage with lessons focused on three core sustainability topic areas:
Following the lessons, students design and implement a community-based sustainability project using Walking Softer’s How-to Guides—turning learning into action and creating tangible local impact.
Participating groups are eligible for:
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Up to $2,000 in project funding
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A $1,000 teacher stipend for educators who facilitate the program
Walking Softer Education is intentionally designed to be accessible, flexible, and empowering, making it easy to integrate into a variety of learning environments while supporting both student leadership and educator time.
Now accepting sign-ups for the 2025–2026 school year
Deadline to sign up: February 20, 2026
From Classroom Action to What Comes Next: Walking Softer Education Scholarship
2025-2026-1024-Scholarship-Flyer.pdf
For students who participate in the Walking Softer Education Program, the opportunity doesn’t end with a community project.
The Walking Softer Education Scholarship is a separate but connected funding opportunity designed to support high school juniors and seniors as they take their next steps beyond high school. This scholarship recognizes students who are passionate about sustainability and committed to creating positive environmental change—no matter the path they choose.
The scholarship awards $5,000–$20,000 to eligible students pursuing:
There is no required major. Whether students envision making the business world more sustainable, using art or storytelling to advocate for climate justice, or installing renewable energy infrastructure, this scholarship is meant to support a wide range of sustainability-focused futures.
The application process is intentionally accessible and inclusive, welcoming students whether this is their first time applying for a scholarship or they are already familiar with the process.
Scholarship Deadlines & Key Details
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Application opens: January 7, 2026
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Application closes: April 19, 2026 at 11:59pm PST
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Virtual scholarship info session: March 4, 2026 at 4:00pm PST
Application link:
https://aim.applyists.net/WalkingSofter
Eligible applicants must:
Selected scholarship recipients will also:
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Participate in a 1-hour engagement session in Fall 2026
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Share a testimonial about the impact of the scholarship
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Submit a final reflection at the end of the year in which they use the scholarship
❓ Questions?
Students, educators, or families can reach out directly to education@walkingsofter.org with any questions.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with students, counselors, families, and community partners who may be interested.
